Week 23, Day 2: The Raising of Lazarus
Today’s Reading: John 13:1-14:31
Some thoughts from yesterday’s reading…
I am impressed with the response that Jesus gets from raising Lazarus from the dead. The group of Jews that accompanied Martha, Mary and Jesus to the tomb bare witness to the miracle. A man dead for four days, decay has begun and the smell would’ve been strong. At Jesus’ command this man comes forth alive, still bound in burial cloths. Wow! Certainly this would be enough for all to believe. But, some of those eyewitnesses go off to the Pharisees. The wording in 11:45-46 leads me to believe that these men did not believe in Jesus even after the miracle and went to report and plot with the Pharisees. I have met at least one person while door knocking who said he would not believe in Jesus unless he saw Him coming down the street riding a donkey’s colt. Others have said that what we need today is the working of miracles to instill faith in people. If the Jews who witnessed this miracle first hand did not believe, how can people think that miracles automatically bring forth faith?
Also, when you consider the crowds in Jerusalem, they had heard about Jesus raising Lazarus and sought to see Jesus and Lazarus. The crowd welcomed Jesus (at first) as the king of Israel. But when Jesus’ teaching does not match what they think the Christ is going to do (He says He will be lifted up) then they are troubled and do not believe in Him (12:32-34, 37). Again, we see that even though Jesus did the miracles that should have been proof for everyone to believe and accept His words, they were not willing to let go of their own concepts in order to follow Him. Miracles neither forced someone to believe nor made someone accept the teachings of Jesus. The miracles simply provided the evidence needed to those who would be willing to consider these things and acept them from an open heart.
Today we do not have the miracles, but we still have the evidence and are still looking for those who would consider these things and accept them from an open heart.
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Week 23, Day 1: The Good Shepherd
Today’s Reading: John 11:1-12:50
Some thoughts from yesterday’s reading…
We do not often have the same connection to the concepts surrounding shepherding as a more rural society would have. We talk about Psalm 23 from time to time and I think we see some of the concepts of what a shepherd does (leads to green pastures & quiet waters – provides needed food, guides through treacherous times, keeps watch over the sheep with his rod – fights against evil, anoints the sheep – medical care).
In chapter 10 Jesus states that He is the good shepherd. He is the shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep. Unlike someone who was just a hired hand, the good shepherd will stay and defend the sheep against all attacks. Also the sheep become accustomed to the shepherd and know his voice. They follow his voice wherever he leads them. Jesus cares for His flock and watches over them with tender care. We can trust where He leads us and heed His voice. We should not follow after another’s voice because we know that we follow the good shepherd, others only seek to do us harm. This shepherd will not abandon us nor forsake us during troublesome times.
In Psalm 23 there is the concept of anointing the head with oil. This is a picture of the shepherd giving the care and attention that helps the sheep prosper and be healthy. The concept of the shepherd’s care is seen in his watchfulness. The shepherd keeps watch over the flock, attentive to their welfare. If a sheep wonders off He goes to search for it (Luke 15:4). Let us never forget this image of our guardian, our leader, our defender, our rescuer and our way to abundant life (10:10).
1 Peter 2:25 “For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls.”
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Week 22, Day 5: The Master of Discourse
Today’s Reading: John 9:1-10:42
Some thoughts from yesterday’s reading…
We can see in chapters 7 & 8 some examples of why the Pharisees would eventually come to the point of not asking Jesus any more questions – they could not compete with the truth He spoke. Many times Jesus gave the Jews logical answers or asked them logical questions for which they had no good answers. 7:21-24 is one of those times where Jesus presents His case so well. If Moses commanded circumcision and on the Sabbath it is done to complete what the Law commands, then why were they upset that Jesus had healed a man and made him whole on the Sabbath. It was a very good point and should have made the Pharisees consider what He said. But as we all know, discussions are not always based on logic, depending on the person’s intentions. The Pharisees had their minds made up and no matter how good the point was that Jesus made, they were determined not to hear Him.
Another example of the lack of logic behind the Pharisees actions is seen in 7:50-52. Nicodemus asked a good question, “Our Law does not judge a man unless it first hears from him and knows what he is doing, does it?” This is a good point and one that should be easy to answer. And yet the reply is more of an insult or an act of belittling Nicodemus. “You are not from Galilee, are you?” What kind of response is that unless you are just trying to silence someone.
When we are discussing God’s word with others, let us remember these examples. Our patience will be tested at times because we can make the most sensible, well thought out point and the person may try to divert from answering the question by going in a different direction (dodging the question) or by trying to turn the discussion into an attempt to slander you (name calling). Those who are serious about learning the truth will be easy to recognize because they will think about what you said. They will search these things out. But let us also remember that we may need to suffer long with those whom we are trying to teach because the walls they have put up may not come down quickly. Let us be gentle and not loose our composure. Sinking to the tactics of name calling or heated insults does not avail us anything in helping them to see the truth.
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Week 22, Day 4: Why Do We Seek Jesus?
Today’s Reading: John 7:1-8:59
Some thoughts from yesterday’s reading…
In John chapter 6, John records for us the account of Jesus feeding the 5000. Not long after this, Jesus came into Capernaum, and was followed there by those that had been a part of the crowd that had been fed. They were seeking Jesus, but for the wrong reasons. In fact, when they found Jesus, He told them plainly that they were seeking Him, not for the signs that He had performed, but rather for the food (John 6:26). He encouraged them to work for the food which does not perish, rather than that which does.
It is interesting to read this passage and then take note of the religious, denominational world. Just tonight, I drove past a church that had a big sign out front advertising a free meal. Not surprisingly, there was a line forming at the door, mostly of transients who were looking for a free meal. Those people were not looking for Christ (and were certainly not going to truly find Him there). They only cared about finding something to fill their bellies. They are much like those people who followed Jesus around, hoping for a free meal. Notice that Jesus was not going to entertain their ideas about what He should do. He refused to give them another meal, as it was not something that was needed at the time. But, the denominational world continues to offer food as the impetus by which they draw people into their assemblies.
Many in the Lord’s church come dangerously close to the same concept. They will not hold out food, but they will hold out all manner of other “freebies” to get people to “come to church” with them. It seems almost like bribing people to attend worship services. They will mow grass in exchange for a person coming to church. Or they will give gifts to people with the string attached that they must come to church. There is certainly nothing wrong with helping our neighbors out, in fact it is something we should be doing, and doing more of! And there is nothing wrong with inviting people to study the Bible with us, or to come to our assemblies. Again, that is something that we should be doing! But, we should not be trying to entice people into our assemblies or our home bible studies by making them feel guilty or feel like they owe it to us. The gospel is a message that is freely given and freely received. No one should feel like they have to listen to God’s message. God permits free choice, and so should we.
So, why do we seek Jesus? Is it because of the “extras” that have been offered? Or is it because we have “seen the signs” and know that the evidence supports our belief in Him? Hopefully it is the latter, as the former will not provide salvation for our souls!
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Week 22, Day 3: God’s Will, Our Sustenance?
Today’s Reading: John 5:1-6:71
Some thoughts from yesterday’s reading…
In John 4:31-38, John records a situation in which Jesus uses the physical needs to illustrate a spiritual point. The disciples were encouraging Jesus to get something to eat, and He responded by saying that He had food that they did not know of. They were so focused on the physical that they had no idea that He was making a spiritual point. He told the disciples that His “food” was to do the will of the Father and finish His work. This statement should make us think about our responsibilities as well. How important do we view doing the will of God?
Christ was determined to finish the will of the Father. He viewed this responsibility as His very sustenance. He had to have do it. He would not quit until it was completed. Do we take God’s will for us so seriously? Do we really think of doing His work as our sustenance? Many people simply do not think of the work of God as being that important. They will do a bit of it here and there if they can fit it into their busy schedules, and if it does not interfere with something they want to do. If they want to participate in some sin, they don’t think it very important to keep to the work of God.
God expects us to make Him and His work our top priority. That means that every decision that we make should be centered on His will–what would He have us do? If we have that type of attitude, we will sustain ourselves on the will of the Lord. Doing His will is the only thing that will ensure our spiritual health and well-being. Is doing the Lord’s will our food? Or do we merely “snack” spiritually?
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Week 22, Day 2: Behold the Lamb of God
Today’s Reading: John 3:1-4:54
Some thoughts from yesterday’s reading…
It could be argued that John 1:29 summarizes the premise of the gospel message. John referred to Jesus as the “Lamb of God” which is not understood without an examination of the Old Testament sacrificial system. In the Old Testament, God required the sacrifice of animals for people to have their sins forgiven. But, the sacrifice of animals was never intended to be permanent. The Hebrew writer made it very clear that animal sacrifice was not good enough, and there had to be a perfect sacrifice (the Son of God) for sins to be taken away.
Jesus, as the Messiah, was the sacrifice that God sent to be the perfect sacrifice. He would shed His blood for all of mankind, one sacrifice forever. He would not have to offer Himself many times. This plan was what God always intended. Many think this was a last minute substitute for the failed plan of instituting a physical kingdom. Such a belief ignores the purpose and teachings of the Old Testament.
So, for those who were looking for the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, John’s statement was quite meaningful. Most in the first century missed the significance of John’s statement, but as we look back on it, we can see clearly the meaning. It is through His sacrifice that we can have the forgiveness of sin. If we want to take part with Him in His sacrifice, we must submit to His commands, including the act of baptism (see Romans 6).
If you are interested in learning more about this concept, let us know and we will share a home study with you that explores these ideas in much more detail than what is feasible in this venue!
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Week 22, Day 1: Responsibilities of Older Saints…
Today’s Reading: John 1:1-2:25
Some thoughts from Friday’s reading…
OK, you probably caught me again. I messed up and forgot to write up a post yesterday. My apologies! Maybe you will have time to catch up before the end of the week! Now on to the previously scheduled post…
In Titus 2:1-10, Paul gives some instructions that seem to fall by the wayside in today’s society. He gives instructions for older saints, both men and women, to teach the younger generations. We often wonder why we lose the younger generations, as they become busy and allow themselves to become consumed by the things of the world. This happens to those who are teenagers, as well as those who are just starting careers and families. One of the reasons that this happens is that the older generations do not take the time to teach the younger generations! Think about how beneficial this would be if Christians would just follow it! For some reason, we think it is best to learn lessons from the “School of Hard Knocks” rather than listening to teachings of others. How much heartache could be alleviated if older Christians would simply use their wisdom and experiences to teach the younger generations?
Paul gives instructions for older women to teach the younger women about their responsibilities in the family. Young ladies today are often taught that the Biblical teachings are outdated, sexist and simply do not apply to them. How dare we think that her place is in the home, taking care of her children and her home? One big problem, in many places at least, is that there are at least 2 generations that have adopted the worldly concepts of the woman’s responsibilities. How can older Christians teach younger Christians their familial responsibilities when they have never learned them properly themselves? For some reason, many Christian ladies have decided that Paul’s instructions in this passage are not really very important. They have decided that they don’t really need to teach these principles, or any others. I have seen places where the the wives of the elders could not take time out of their busy schedules to help teach ladies classes when the younger ladies were asking for this type of leadership and instruction!
The same types of problems exist with men. Perhaps it is the stubbornness of men that leads to problems. We don’t want others telling us how to do anything. However, we would save ourselves a lot of problems, and probably humiliation, if we would take instruction from older men! But often, the problem arises that older men don’t want to take on the responsibilities of teaching younger men, or they don’t want to take the time or put forth the effort of teaching the younger generations. This ought not be! Older men should see the importance of passing on biblical teaching to the younger generations, so that one day they too will be prepared to lead. In many churches, elders have been appointed who have not done a good job of training the younger men, so that when they are old and depart this life there are no men prepared to take on that role in the Lord’s church. This is a sad commentary on their unwillingness to do as Paul instructed in this passage!
Let us never ignore our responsibilities as expressed in this passage. If we are among the younger, let us learn from our elders, respecting their experience and wisdom. If we are among the older, let us work diligently to teach the younger Christians all that they need to grow strong, and remain faithful to the Lord!
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Week 21, Day 5: Warning to Evangelists
Today’s Reading: Titus 2:1-3:15
Some thoughts from yesterday’s reading…
The books of 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy and Titus were written by the apostle Paul to young evangelists, telling them how to do the work that was set before them, and to encourage them to do it the right way. This encouragement becomes very clear in 2 Timothy 4:1-5. Paul there warned Timothy about the nature of his work, and the responsibilities that he was going to have to fulfill. Paul gave the most stringent of warnings, telling Timothy that he was required to preach the word of God, no matter what circumstances he might face. He told Timothy to “Be ready in season and out of season.” One old preacher said this meant to preach it when they like it, and preach it when they don’t! That is surely a part of Paul’s instructions. It is easy to preach when the message is well received, but no so easy when the audience is not going to accept it, or even worse if it will cause some harm to the speaker. Stephen, as he presented his final sermon, probably knew that the audience was not taking it well, and would end up killing him when it was over. He did not hesitate to continue to present the message that needed presented. He was presenting it “out of season” to be sure!
Paul told Timothy to “Convince, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and teaching.” Far too often, evangelists today like to present a soft message that makes people feel good down inside. But, they are not nearly as apt to rebuke those that need to be rebuked. One must teach the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27) if they are going to succeed in achieving all that Paul instructs in this verse. Those that are diligent will also achieve these goals patiently, never forgetting that teaching the word of God is their primary responsibility.
Paul also warned Timothy about the nature of hearers. The time would come when people were not worried about hearing what God wanted, but would be more concerned about their own desires. They would have “itching ears” and would be looking for the preachers that would scratch them. There would be plenty of men who would be just what these type of people wanted, teaching only the things that were pleasant to the ears. In fact, they could “heap up” this type of teacher! But this type of teacher would only help them to turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. Timothy could not be an evangelist like that. He had to continue on in the truth, doing the work of an evangelist as God required. It would not be good enough for him to just scratch ears. He had to fulfill his ministry! Teaching something short of the whole truth may make him popular, well liked, but it would not save souls!
We certainly need more evangelists to take the teachings of Paul seriously, and pattern their work after that of the young evangelist Timothy. Evangelists need to focus on the work set before them, and stop worrying about being in the right groups, knowing the right people, and being popular in the “brotherhood.” Preach the word! That was Paul’s warning, and it is just as valid and important today as it was when he penned it to Timothy!
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Week 21, Day 4: Preparing for Persecution
Today’s Reading: 2 Timothy 4:1-22, Titus 1:1-16
Some thoughts from yesterday’s reading…
In the religious world today, it is popular for preachers to tell people that if they will just join their church, or be obedient to their version of the gospel, they will never have to worry about problems in their life again. They will never face tribulation, they will never face hard times, they will never face persecution. They teach that in Christ is a complete financial security (some even teaching that you will have thousands of dollars in the bank if you are Christian). But, this is completely contrary to all that God has told us in the New Testament. Consider what Paul wrote to Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:12. Paul clearly tells us that all who desire to live godly will suffer persecution. How can these “preachers” be so dishonest with the people they are trying to teach?
We need to remember that a part of being faithful to God will mean that persecutions will be hurled at us. If we are conscious of these tribulations, then we will be far more prepared for them. Those that think there will be no persecution will certainly not be ready for the persecutions that will most definitely come. These persecutions will test us, and prove that we are indeed the children of God. When we are tested, we will grow stronger. The stronger we grow, the more dedicated we will be to God.
Never look at persecution as a bad thing. Persecution serves an important role in our lives. Look at each persecution that comes as an opportunity to grow and develop as a Christian!
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Week 21, Day 3: Be Content!
Today’s Reading: 2 Timothy 2:1-3:17
Some thoughts from yesterday’s reading…
It is amazing how difficult it is in our country to learn to be content. Perhaps it is because we all strive for the “American Dream” which seems to include gaining more and more stuff. We seem to always want a bigger, better house, or bigger and better car. We want to get more stuff to put into our homes. There is certainly nothing wrong with enjoying the things that God has blessed us with. A study of the book of Ecclesiastes will confirm that God wants us to enjoy the blessings of life. However, we often are not just enjoying the things we have been given, but rather trying to get more. We succumb to covetousness and jealousy often when this is the case!
Paul, as he wrote to Timothy, encouraged him to learn to be content. In 1 Timothy 6:6-11 Paul wrote that godliness with contentment is great gain. How so? We cannot take any of the wealth that we accumulate in this life with us when we die. We came in with nothing, and we certainly will not be taking anything with us when we leave! Notice, in verse 8, Paul tells us that we should be content with food and clothing. How many of us would truly be content with just food and clothing? How many of us would be able to function with only those things? And yet we are instructed to be content with that!
This should also make us take notice of how much God has blessed us with. He has not only blessed us with food and clothing, but with countless other blessings. If you were not blessed beyond those basics, you couldn’t even be reading this article! We need to learn to be content with what God has blessed us with so that we don’t fall into the temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition (1 Timothy 6:9). I know that many think they are immune to these things, but it simply is not the case. If we do not learn to be content, we will be overcome by these problems!
We often hear people say, “Money is the root of all evil.” However, Paul said, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil… (1 Timothy 6:10).” It is the attitude that strives to accumulate money (and the things that can be bought by money) that leads to problems for mankind. That is why contentment is so important. If we are content, we do not have a love for money. We live with what we are blessed with. We work hard to provide for our families, but we know that our spiritual well-being is far more important than becoming rich and/or famous!
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